Kei Nishikori’s final match before retirement ended in a 6-4, 6-4 loss to American Frances Tiafoe in the Japan Open first round on Thursday, as an adoring crowd in Tokyo rose to salute the former world No. 4 and Japanese trailblazer. The 36-year-old was the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final at the 2014 U.S. Open and the second after Thailand’s Paradorn Srichaphan to make it into the top 10.
After bowing out at the tournament he won in 2012 and 2014, Nishikori soaked up applause from fans at the Ariake Coliseum as organizers honored his two-decade career with a video tribute featuring messages from top players including Novak Djokovic. You’re definitely going to get the farewell and applause that you absolutely deserve. All the very best in retirement, Kei.” Seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz said he considered himself a fan, while others like Grigor Dimitrov, Alex de Minaur and Andy Murray heaped praise on his two-handed backhand.
The Shimane-born Nishikori reached his career-high ranking of No. 4 in 2015 and claimed 12 titles on the ATP Tour, but has been hampered by injuries for years and has slipped to No. 436 in the world. Former world No. 3 and twice-Grand Slam runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece led the tributes on social media, thanking Nishikori for his hard work and aggressive, counter-punching playing style in a memorable professional career. I’ll keep cheering you on in whatever you do next.”
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